Emergence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children from Simplex Families: Relations to Parental Perceptions of Etiology

Abstract

Current research describes a four-category scheme of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) onset: early, regressive, plateau, delay + regression. To replicate prevalence of different onset types, ASD onset (per the Autism Diagnostic Interview--Revised) was examined in a large North American sample; for a subset, parents' causal beliefs were ascertained via the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire to examine potential associations with ASD-onset types. Onset rates were similar across samples, with a slightly higher proportion of children in the subsample categorized with regression. Top-rated causes of ASD were genetics, brain structure, will of God, toxins in vaccines, and environmental pollution. Parents reporting regression more often believed that toxins in vaccines caused ASD. Influences on treatment selection and broader public-health ramifications are discussed.

Parent Beliefs About the Causes of Learning and Developmental Problems Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results From a National Survey

“…Several small prior studies (Al Anbar et al, 2010; Dardennes et al, 2011; Goin-Kochel, Mire, & Dempsey, 2015; Gray, 1995; Harrington, Patrick, Edwards, & Brand, 2006; Mercer, Creighton, Holden, & Lewis, 2006; Selkirk, McCarthy Veach, Lian, Schimmenti, & LeRoy, 2009) suggest that parents’ beliefs about the cause(s) of ASD vary greatly, and that parents often hold several causal beliefs simultaneously. Some of these studies were reviewed by Hebert in 2010 (Hebert & Koulouglioti, 2010).…”

“…Some of these studies were reviewed by Hebert in 2010 (Hebert & Koulouglioti, 2010). In prior reports, the most commonly held parent beliefs were that ASD is caused by genetic factors (Al Anbar et al, 2010; Dardennes et al, 2011; Goin-Kochel et al, 2015; Harrington et al, 2006; Mercer et al, 2006; Selkirk et al, 2009), brain structure or brain abnormalities (Al Anbar et al, 2010; Dardennes et al, 2011; Goin-Kochel et al, 2015; Selkirk et al, 2009), and early childhood trauma, illness, or injury (Dardennes et al, 2011; Goin-Kochel et al, 2015; Gray, 1995; Harrington et al, 2006; Selkirk et al, 2009). Despite significant scientific evidence that vaccines are not causes of ASD (Gerber & Offit, 2009), studies suggest that many parents believe that vaccines contribute to their child’s ASD (Dale, Jahoda, & Knott, 2006; Freed, Clark, Butchart, Singer, & Davis, 2010; Goin-Kochel et al, 2015; Harrington et al, 2006; Mercer et al, 2006; Selkirk et al, 2009).…”

“…Prior studies about parents’ causal beliefs have been limited by small sample sizes (n = 33–255) and non-representative sampling of parents (Al Anbar et al, 2010; Dardennes et al, 2011; Goin-Kochel et al, 2015; Gray, 1995; Harrington et al, 2006; Mercer et al, 2006; Selkirk et al, 2009), making results difficult to generalize. Furthermore, there has been no prior analysis regarding how parents’ causal beliefs might vary by family socio-demographic circumstances.…”

Gene Disrupting Mutations Associated with Regression in Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Although regression has been reported as largely unique to ASD relative to other developmental disorders (Pickles et al, 2009), the cause of skill loss in children with ASD is unknown. Many parents vehemently believe that regression is triggered by vaccines (Goin-Kochel & Myers, 2005; Goin-Kochel, Mire, & Dempsey, 2015; Offit, 2008), although numerous epidemiological studies do not support this theory (e.g., DeStefano & Chen, 2001; Fombonne & Chakrabarti, 2001; Madsen et al, 2002; Parker et al, 2004; Taylor, Swerdfeger, & Eslick, 2014). Other investigators have examined risk factors for regression in ASD, demonstrating the regressive subtype to be associated with a family history of autoimmune thyroid disease (Molloy et al, 2006), abnormal brain enlargement among affected preschool-aged males (Nordahl et al, 2011), and increased rates of seizures and family history of neuropsychiatric disorders (Zhang et al, 2012), yet a clear biological mechanism or pathway remains elusive.…”

Comparison of maternal beliefs about causes of autism spectrum disorder and association with utilization of services and treatments

“…Research on family perspectives in ASD has focused on families' perceptions of the possible causes of ASD. The body of this research reveals that parents' perceptions of causes have evolved (Elder, ; Harrington, Patrick, Edwards, & Brand, ; Harrington, Rosen, Garnecho, & Patrick, ; Russell, Kelly, & Golding, ; Al Anbar, Dardennes, Prado‐Netto, Kaye, & Contejean, ; Goin‐Kochel, Mire, & Dempsey, ; Zuckerman, Lindly, & Sinche, ; Fischbach, Harris, Ballan, Fischbach, & Link, ) as the scientific community's hypotheses about the pathophysiologic mechanisms underpinning ASD have changed in the last 50 years. The growing consensus in both communities is that ASD is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder involving the interaction of environmental and genetic factors.…”